FROM THE VIDEO ARCHIVE: HANKY PARK COMES TO LIFE

David was born just off Ellor Street in Ann Place, and attended John Street school, this school had an unusual feature in that the playground was on the roof, I kid you not. 

I have to admit that my book Hanky Park has got a small role to play in this painting because David used the map in the book as a reference point and also the photographs of shops, houses, pubs and other buildings. 

David says that it took about 18 months on and off to complete the painting which is roughly about 5 foot by 3 foot, the detail is incredible with individual streets and buildings easily recognisable. 

On Broad Street, there is Pendleton Church, Pendleton Town Hall, Pendleton Baths, Leaf Square and even the Salford Corporation green buses. 

Ellor Street shows the many shops, pubs, St Pauls Church, Salford Hippodrome and the myriad of back-to-back terraced houses. 

David who is self taught is now looking for a good home for the painting, and has suggested that St Pauls Church on Broadwalk (which was originally Ellor Street) may like it as a reminder of the area. 

Failing that Salford Local History Library would possibly make a good home for it, have any readers got any suggestions? 

If you were from the Hanky Park area, which I was, the painting will bring back many memories for you. 

This article first appeared on SalfordOnline on the 24th September 2012, it is reproduced here by a rather young and dapper looking venerable local historian Tony 'don't mention his bald patch' Flynn.

Video skills courtesy of Jamie Carruthers.